5 Fun and Calming Yoga Activities for Kids in the Classroom

Classroom yoga activities for kids are short, simple exercises designed to help kids calm down, focus, and improve wellbeing during the school day. Integrating movement and mindfulness into the curriculum can be a powerful tool for managing energy, reducing stress, and preparing young minds for learning.

Here are five fun and easy yoga activities you can implement right at the students' desks or in a small classroom space.

5 Fun and Calming Yoga Activities

1. Seated Breathing Exercise

This is a great quick reset. Have children sit up tall and place their hands on their laps. As they breathe in deeply through their nose, they slowly lift their arms out to the sides and up over their heads. As they breathe out through their mouth, they slowly lower their arms back down. Repeat this movement and breath synchronisation just 2–3 times to instantly oxygenate the brain and calm the nervous system.

2. Desk Stretch

A gentle way to release tension from sitting. Ask students to remain seated, reach one arm straight up overhead, and then gently lean their body to the opposite side, creating a gentle seated side stretch. Hold for a few breaths on one side, and then switch to the other. This simple stretch helps relieve tightness in the shoulders and back, improving posture and overall comfort.

3. Butterfly Pose

This is ideal for a quick transition away from desks. Have the kids sit on the floor, bringing the soles of their feet together with their knees bent out to the sides (like a butterfly). Encourage them to gently flap their "wings" (knees) up and down. This pose promotes hip flexibility and grounding, helping to release restless energy in the lower body.

4. Brain Break Balance

A simple balancing act that requires focus. Ask children to stand up and shift their weight onto one foot. Slowly, they lift the other foot slightly off the floor and bring their hands together in a prayer position at their chest. Have them focus on a single, unmoving spot to hold their balance on one leg for a few seconds. This activity sharpens concentration and develops body awareness.

5. Guided “Mini Relaxation”

The perfect ending to any brain break. Have the children return to their seats and gently close their eyes. Guide them to take a big breath in and slowly count to five as they exhale. Ask them to quietly focus all their attention on the feeling of their breath moving in and out of their body. Even 30 seconds of quiet attention can reset their mood and mental state.

Why are yoga activities helpful for kids in the classroom?

Yoga combines physical movement with mindful breathing, which helps kids regulate their emotions and energy levels. It increases their ability to focus and pay attention by grounding them in the present moment, which directly supports their learning. Moreover, it is a non-competitive, gentle practice that promotes positive self-esteem and reduces overall stress.

How long should classroom yoga take?

Classroom yoga activities should be brief to fit easily into the school day. Most exercises take only 30 seconds to 2 minutes each. A full "yoga brain break" session, including all five activities, can be completed in less than 10 minutes, making it an efficient and impactful use of time.

Is classroom yoga suitable for all ages?

Yes, absolutely! Yoga can be adapted for children of all ages and abilities, from kindergarten to upper primary. The poses are gentle and safe, focusing more on movement, fun, and breathing than on perfect execution. Emphasise that this practice is non-religious and entirely adaptable to ensure all children feel comfortable and included.

Ready to bring more structured fun and focus to your students?

Explore Yogamigos' wellbeing incursions for professional, structured, and engaging yoga sessions delivered right in your school. We make mindfulness a blast! Contact us today.